Sheehan Criticizes Pritzker Over Lack of SAFE-T Act Changes Following Legislative Session (Homer Glen, IL) – State Rep. Patrick Sheehan is criticizing Gov. JB Pritzker for not pursuing changes to the SAFE-T Act during the recently concluded spring legislative session, arguing that public safety concerns continue to mount across Illinois.
In a statement released after lawmakers adjourned, Sheehan said the governor had previously indicated a willingness to consider modifications to the controversial criminal justice reform law but did not advocate for any reforms before the General Assembly ended its spring session.
“Governor Pritzker has continued defending the SAFE-T Act while Illinois families have watched devastating headline after devastating headline this year,” Sheehan said.
The Homer Glen Republican pointed to several high-profile crimes as examples of what he described as failures within the state’s public safety system.
Among the incidents cited was the fatal shooting of Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew, who was killed in the line of duty, and the shooting of Officer Nelson Crespo, who survived after a bullet became lodged in his neck. Sheehan noted that the suspect in the Crespo case was reportedly a seven-time convicted felon and parole absconder.
Sheehan also referenced the killing of Loyola University student Sheridan Gorman and a separate incident in which a woman was set on fire aboard a CTA train. He argued that these tragedies highlight the need for changes to state criminal justice policies.
“These are real tragedies involving real victims, real families, and real communities,” Sheehan said. “Sadly, they are only part of a list that is getting longer and longer.”
A police officer for nearly two decades, Sheehan said law enforcement officials have raised concerns about the SAFE-T Act since its implementation. He accused the governor of failing to adequately address those concerns and of continuing to support existing policies despite criticism from law enforcement groups.
“This horrendous policy is literally being paid for in blood,” Sheehan said. “What else is it going to take for change to happen?”
The SAFE-T Act, signed into law in 2021, enacted a series of criminal justice reforms, including the elimination of cash bail statewide. Supporters argue the law promotes fairness and prevents individuals from being detained solely because they cannot afford bail, while critics contend it has weakened public safety protections.
Sheehan called on Pritzker to revisit the issue and work with lawmakers on potential reforms before future legislative sessions.
“We owe it to every victim, every police officer, and every family affected by violent crime to put public safety first,” Sheehan said.
The governor’s office has consistently defended the SAFE-T Act and cited data showing that violent crime trends are influenced by numerous factors beyond bail policies.
Sheehan represents Illinois’ 37th House District, which includes portions of Will County and surrounding communities.
Sheehan Criticizes Pritzker Over Lack of SAFE-T Act Changes Following Legislative Session
